Eddie Olczyk, a retired hockey player, TV color commentator for hockey for the Chicago Blackhawks and lead analyst for NBC hockey broadcasts and a frequent contributor to horse racing broadcasts on the NBC family of networks, is being treated for colon cancer, he announced Tuesday.
“I have been diagnosed with a form of colon cancer and am currently undergoing treatment for the disease,” Olczyk said in a statement. “I have been working with outstanding health care professionals and expect to be back in the broadcast booth after I complete my treatment,” “Having the support and encouragement from my family, the Chicago Blackhawks organization, NBC Sports and all my friends and fans means the world to me and will give me continued strength to beat this. My family and I appreciate privacy during this time as we focus our attention on my treatments.”
Dr. Michael Terry, team physician for the Blackhawks, said that Olczyk was diagnosed last week and underwent a procedure to remove a tumor. Terry added that Olczyk would undergo further treatment over the coming weeks, including chemotherapy.
A 16-year veteran of the NHL, Olczyk has become a key member of NBC's horse racing broadcasts of the Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup, among other contributions.
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